Readers weigh in with their choices for exec

Oct. 4, 2013

Who’s your county executive pick?Tell us whom you endorse in the Rockland and Westchester County executive races, and (in 100 words or less) why. To discuss your support for Westchester’s Republican incumbent Rob Astorino or Democratic challenger Noam Bramson, go to http://lohud.us/18lrvGY. To discuss your support in the Rockland contest (no incumbent) for either Republican Ed Day or Democrat David Fried, go to http://lohud.us/18VMnTi.

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We’ve been asking Westchester and Rockland residents for their county executive candidate endorsements. A sampling of responses:

In Westchester, incumbent Republican Rob Astorino is seeking his second term; New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson is the Democratic challenger.

✓ BRAMSON: “I find that I align with most of Bramson’s positions — particularly on his stand to ban gun shows at the County Center. It is a tragic shame that we Americans cannot seem to do much to prevent gun violence. Gun shows — and their loopholes — have no place in Westchester County.” — Alan of New Rochelle

✓ ASTORINO: “Because he has done a good job, and is fiscally conservative. He is trying to keep costs down so that the middle class, and those who are retired can continue to reside in Westchester.” — Lynn of Ossining

✓ BRAMSON: “Noam is a proven leader who will preserve the fiscal responsibility of county government while ensuring that vital services are sustained and enhanced through cooperation with the County Legislature and Westchester municipalities. He will also take progressive stands on issues such as the environment, gun violence and women‘s rights. These are areas where Mr. Astorino has failed so far. — Andrew of Rye

✓ ASTORINO: “He lowered taxes.” — Corkey of New Rochelle

In Rockland, with no incumbent running, there’s going to be a new county executive for the first time in 20 years. County legislator Ed Day is running on the Republican ticket; David Fried, a former county legislator and former Spring Valley justice, is the Democrat in the race.

✓ DAY: “Ed is a man of integrity. He wholeheartedly wants to do what is best for Rockland County and will give his very best efforts towards those goals.” — Ed of Ramapo

✓ FRIED: “I grew up with him and he’s one of the most honest people I know. He is a breath of fresh air in local corrupt politics.” — Dan of Clarkstown

✓ DAY: “Ed is the only candidate that has had the pulse of the county’s financial ills. since 2008. He is committed to a 0 balance budget and is not a backroom deal maker. Ed is a doer and will do the right thing to get Rockland out of the financial intensive care unit. His 10 points for economic growth will attract and keep business in Rockland. We need a new Day for our County.” — Hector of Orangetown

✓ FRIED: “He is a Democrat who has always been very honest and very competent. He was not afraid to state his unequivocal opposition to the desalination plant in Haverstraw, thus supporting the majority of Rocklanders who signed their opposition to this plant with over 24,000 signatures. He stated it clearly in public presentations and press interviews and in his campaign literature. ...” — Liliana of New City